fbpx

Pregnancy and the COVID-19 Vaccine

June 21, 2021

Woman receiving vaccine
When it comes to COVID-19, a novel coronavirus, the likes of which have never been seen, the rules understandably change every day. And with a vaccine now available, expecting moms may be wondering whether they are eligible to get it. The simple answer is yes. The three COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized in the U.S. are available to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Of course, getting the vaccine is a personal choice, so it’s important to know the facts so that you can make an informed decision.

COVID-19 Risk During Pregnancy

Generally, the risk of severe illness from COVID-19 is low, but moms-to-be are at a greater risk of severe illness compared to people who are not pregnant. Complications from severe illness could result in preterm birth. Severe illness could lead to hospital admission, mechanical ventilation, or even death.

The Safety and Risk of the Vaccine for Pregnant Women

Because pregnant women were excluded from initial clinical trials, the data has been limited on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines for expecting moms. But now, experts at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believe the vaccines do not cause risk because of how they work in the body. Researchers also believe the vaccines are not only safe and effective for pregnant and breastfeeding women but may also offer some protection for your baby.1

How the Vaccines Work

Like other vaccines, the COVID-19 vaccines train our immune systems to recognize the virus and to be able to fight it off in the future. The different types of vaccines work in different ways, but they all work to offer protection. None of the vaccines currently approved give you COVID-19.2

Side Effects of the Vaccines

Side effects are possible and normal, especially after the second dose if the vaccine you choose requires two doses. It’s a sign that your body is building immunity. But the side effects haven’t been reported to be any different than those experienced by non-pregnant people. Here is what you could expect after getting your shot(s):3

  • Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Muscle pain
  • Chills
  • Fever
  • Nausea

Getting Back to Normal

If you choose to get vaccinated, and once you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you may be one step closer to doing things you enjoyed in pre-pandemic life, including gathering indoors with your family, friends, and loved ones!

Of course, being vaccinated is a personal choice. If you choose not to get the vaccine, it is important to continue to protect yourself by following social distancing and hygiene guidelines to keep you and your developing baby safe during pregnancy.

Disclaimer
Remember, COVID-19 is a unique health crisis, and because data and information about the vaccines change frequently, it is important to check with the CDC or your doctor to make sure you have the most accurate and up-to-date guidance.

 

Prenate® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

Pregnancy and COVID vaccine Pinterest graphic

Connect with Prenate®

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6. Keep this product out of reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately.

WARNING: Ingestion of more than 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids (such as DHA) per day has been shown to have potential antithrombotic effects, including an increased bleeding time and International Normalized Ratio (INR). Administration of omega-3 fatty acids should be avoided in patients taking anticoagulants and in those known to have an inherited or acquired predisposition to bleeding.

This site and its contents are an information resource only, and are neither intended to nor should be used in replacement of your doctor or other prescribing professional’s medical guidance, recommendations or advice. Neither this site nor its information should be used or relied upon for any diagnostic, medical, treatment, nutritional or other purpose. All aspects of pregnancy, including whether pregnancy is right for you, and the nourishment and care of your child, should be made with your doctor and other appropriate medical professional, and in consideration of your and your child’s particular medical history. Avion Pharmaceuticals, LLC (“Avion”) makes no representation, warranty or other undertaking that this site or its information are appropriate for you or your child’s specific needs or issues, and further expressly disclaims all damages, losses, injuries or liability whatsoever incurred or alleged to have been incurred in consequence of your reliance on the information on this site. Avion does not endorse any test, procedure, treatment, remedy, therapy, cure, nutritional regimen, method or other activity or undertaking that you and/or your doctor or other medical professional may elect or recommend. By visiting this site you agree to these terms and conditions and acknowledge that you have read and understand the same. These terms and conditions, together with any information on this site, may be amended, restated or otherwise changed from time to time and at any time by Avion within the sole, absolute and uncontrolled exercise of its discretion. You acknowledge and agree that Avion has no duty or obligation to keep you informed of any amendments to, restatements of or other changes to these terms and conditions or this site, and that you are solely and exclusively responsible for apprising yourself of the same.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6. Keep this product out of reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately.

WARNING: Ingestion of more than 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids (such as DHA) per day has been shown to have potential antithrombotic effects, including an increased bleeding time and International Normalized Ratio (INR). Administration of omega-3 fatty acids should be avoided in patients taking anticoagulants and in those known to have an inherited or acquired predisposition to bleeding.

This site and its contents are an information resource only, and are neither intended to nor should be used in replacement of your doctor or other prescribing professional’s medical guidance, recommendations or advice. Neither this site nor its information should be used or relied upon for any diagnostic, medical, treatment, nutritional or other purpose. All aspects of pregnancy, including whether pregnancy is right for you, and the nourishment and care of your child, should be made with your doctor and other appropriate medical professional, and in consideration of your and your child’s particular medical history. Avion Pharmaceuticals, LLC (“Avion”) makes no representation, warranty or other undertaking that this site or its information are appropriate for you or your child’s specific needs or issues, and further expressly disclaims all damages, losses, injuries or liability whatsoever incurred or alleged to have been incurred in consequence of your reliance on the information on this site. Avion does not endorse any test, procedure, treatment, remedy, therapy, cure, nutritional regimen, method or other activity or undertaking that you and/or your doctor or other medical professional may elect or recommend. By visiting this site you agree to these terms and conditions and acknowledge that you have read and understand the same. These terms and conditions, together with any information on this site, may be amended, restated or otherwise changed from time to time and at any time by Avion within the sole, absolute and uncontrolled exercise of its discretion. You acknowledge and agree that Avion has no duty or obligation to keep you informed of any amendments to, restatements of or other changes to these terms and conditions or this site, and that you are solely and exclusively responsible for apprising yourself of the same.

Pin It on Pinterest